What are you doing after graduation?

It seems for many Tufts seniors the same question keeps popping up. While our lucky friends who aren't seniors get to answer fun questions like, "What were you for Halloween?" or "What's your spirit carb?" (I kid you not), seniors are usually asked, "What are you doing after graduation?" If you're a senior and that question doesn't make you nervous or weigh on your mind, congratulations. However, for some seniors, this first job search is taking up ample amounts of time whether it's identifying interesting positions, filling out applications, preparing for interviews, or sending follow up emails.

The job search can be especially stressful and time consuming, as graduation gets closer and closer (lol guys, it's in May). When we entered college, getting a job after graduation was daunting as the recession suppressed many companies' abilities to hire entry-level employees. However, according to USA Today there are some promising statistics about the job search for the class of 2016. So, have no fear! In this post I will focus on tips that will make the job search easier, as well as resources that are available to help you know what to expect and get fully prepared.

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"Jumbo Jobs, Jumbo Jobs, Jumbo Jobs"

Jumbo Jobs
I'm declaring this the greatest resource for any Tufts student, especially since you can access Jumbo Jobs from the comfort of your bed. Before you start binge-watching Gilmore Girls for the fifth time, you should definitely check out Jumbo Jobs. I could dedicate a three-part series to all the features of this great resource, but for now I'm just going to list some specifics that will especially help seniors in the job hunt:

1. Job postings- Of course, we all know that there are job and internship postings on Jumbo Jobs. An overlooked detail within the postings is that the recruiter/contact for Tufts students is listed in the job description in Jumbo Jobs. So when you are writing cover letters, or would like to get in touch with someone at the company, feel free to use this information to reach out. You should always try to address your cover letter to someone specific at the company. Even if you aren't interested in the position posted, you could still contact the recruiter for an informational interview about the company and other roles that exist. Usually this contact is the person responsible for recruiting Tufts students, so it's a great way to network.
2. Update your Jumbo Jobs profile- If you allow for recruiters to view you through Jumbo Jobs they can invite you to resume drops and recruiting events. Make sure to upload your resume and list your activities and interests for recruiters to view! You can even view which recruiters are looking at you, and if you're interested in them, reach out.
3. Use the favorite and saved search features- Favoriting jobs that you're interested in or marking them for later is useful.  And, if you don't want to keep logging in to conduct a search, create saved searches so that results will appear in your email inbox.

Don't feel limited by Jumbo Jobs if you don't find postings for positions that you are interested in. Be sure to look at LACN (Liberal Arts Career Network), Careers A-Z, and other resources on the Tufts Career Center website. Here is list of resources other than Jumbo Jobs that will help you research and find potential job opportunities.

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"Don't mind me, just looking for a job"

Campus Events
Career Center events (we're already scheduling spring events - the Spring Career Fair is Wednesday, February 10 in Gantcher!) and other events sponsored by departments provide places for networking and resources for the job search. Be sure to stay in the loop by subscribing to the Career Center's enews to get the update for events coming up each week. You can also stay in the loop by following the Career Center on Twitter and Facebook. Staying informed is a great way to learn about positions you might be interested in, or what it's like to work at companies in industries of your choice. Campus events are especially great because much of the time the people speaking are Tufts alumni. Jumbos always want to help Jumbos!  So, go out and network and learn more about the post-grad life to understand how people's career paths have led to where they are today.

The November 14 Senior Career Launch was a great event that I knew about from reading Career Center enews.  The Center hosted alumni and guest speakers who discussed how to navigate life after college.  There was advice on entering the work force, personal finance, and simple ways to negotiate a salary that will help you go a long way after graduation.

Master Excel Sheet
Every senior before us has gone through this same exact process. After speaking to a few recent grads they all recommended using an Excel spreadsheet to track applications for multiple jobs. Excel is great for recording contacts at different companies, viewing deadlines at a glance, and tracking interview rounds. Make your job search easier by having all the details and contacts for your job search in one place that is easily accessible and organized. Since finals are coming up, it might be a useful project to implement over winter break. Oh, and remember that the Career Center is open during break!  If you haven't scheduled an appointment with a career advisor, break is a great time. Even if you aren't around Tufts you can schedule a phone, Skype or email appointment!

Alright seniors, don't let "senioritis" take over. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Each week, take steps to advance your job search. This can range from baby steps such as updating your LinkedIn profile or bigger steps such as contacting recruiters and alumni at companies that interest you. Be sure to figure out when the companies you are interested in are hiring because it can differ from field to field!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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When Midterms Strike: Self-Care

These past few weeks may have been a little crazy for everyone. Whether it's dealing with midterms and papers or job applications and interviews, we could all use a little extra time in our schedule to catch a quick breather. Through all the deadlines, projects, and work we have all been subjected to the past few weeks, we often forget to set aside time for ourselves to practice self-care.

As mentioned in a previous post written last year by alum Kelly Vieria, self-care is extremely important as a part of your regular routine, especially when you are navigating through an especially stressful and tiring mid-term season. Taking steps to take care of your body physically and mentally is key, not only for increasing the chances of doing well on your midterms, but also for increasing the probability that you keep your sanity. In this post I will offer some simple suggestions that can easily be a part of everyone's routine to practicing healthy habits in stressful periods. Also included are productivity tips to help motivate and inspire the masses (hopefully) for a successful midterm season. I know you are probably reading all of our blog posts instead of studying for that midterm, but after this post you might reconsider! (Though we do appreciate the page views)

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Catch some ZZZs
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep!! It may seem like you don't have any time to do this, but you definitely do. Making sure you get those 8 hours of sleep will not only make you more productive, but will make you feel better and more likely to remember all that information you are trying to process and cram into your brain. I know the struggle of getting a good night's sleep. I always get distracted by my phone, laptop, or just hanging with my roommates. It might be tough to self-enforce a bed time, but trust me, a regular time is useful. According to a 2011 study college students are the most sleep-deprived people in the country. Here are some obstacles that might be making it difficult for you to sleep:

1. Screen to Face- Looking at a computer/phone screen when you go to sleep may be the reason that you can't fall asleep at night!
2. Inconsistent Sleep Patterns- Make sure you have a consistent routine. Daylight Savings just gave us an extra hour this past weekend, so make the most of it by resetting your circadian rhythm!
3. Late Night Caffeine- Coffee works wonders, but isn't great for good sleep hygiene. Don't have caffeine too close to bedtime, or you'll definitely have a hard time falling asleep.

Food, comida, la nourriture!
Food is where we get our brain fuel. You want to make sure that you are supplying your body with the proper nutrients and vitamins to ensure that your body is in tip top shape. When your body is especially stressed be sure to try and remain as healthy and hydrated as possible. At your favorite study spot be sure to have a water bottle with you and great study snacks. Here are some foods that are great study snacks according to BBC Global:

1. Whole Grains- healthy carbs with low GI, keeps you alert with energy throughout the day
2. Fish- Omega-3 fats are good for brain function! (shout out to Bio 13)
3. Blueberry-Evidence from a study at Tufts that blueberries help with short term memory
4. Broccoli- Good source of Vitamin K to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower

"Me Time"
Whenever I hear "Me time" I flashback to preschool, when my parents would recommend that I have some "Me time" after having too much sugar (or getting in fights with my sister in the car when she would look out the window on my side - no jokes here, this was a serious issue). "Me time" is great, whether it be reading a book, catching up on your favorite TV show, exercising, or just hanging out with friends. It's always good to take a break from studying, to let yourself relax between intense study sessions. This study by MIT suggests that you take a break every 20 minutes to optimize productivity. It's important to figure out what works for you, everyone's work and productivity habits are different. However, taking breaks is very different from procrastinating, which I will address in the next section.

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Self-Control Apps
Becoming a victim of procrastination is pretty easy in college. It seems there is a never ending list of potential distractions, especially since we can access internet on our phones and laptops so easily (Hello 21st century!). The first step with anything is accepting that you have a problem. If you go into the library and come out with just your heading for your 25-page paper, then you, my friend, have a problem. The first steps towards beating procrastination is acknowledging that you are indeed procrastinating (aka Acceptance). Using online self control apps are great for reminding yourself how much time you put aside for "doing". Here is my favorite Self Control App, which blocks my access to certain sites on my computer for a set time period. This is great for managing your breaks as well, as you get rewarded when the block is lifted. Self-discipline, people!

Remember, everyone, to take a breather when you need to! College is stressful and it's always important to step back and smell the roses (or foliage). Hope everyone is enjoying Fall and had a great Halloween weekend!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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Experience and Opportunity: Reggie Love

Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to participate in a round table talk with former personal assistant to Barack Obama, Reggie Love, an event sponsored by Tufts Athletics and Tisch College of Public Citizenship and Service. Talking to someone who served as a personal assistant to the President should be enough to blow you away, but Love's background offered even more impressive credentials. As a former dual sport (football and basketball) student athlete at Division I Duke University, who played under the famous Coach K, Reggie entered the workforce with an undergraduate degree in Political Science. According to his book, Power Forward: My Presidential Education, his mother urged him to find a job. That's when he sent his resume to a friend on Capitol Hill, and next thing you know Senator Obama is interviewing him to become his personal assistant.

What struck me so strongly about Reggie's talk was the power of experience, and how much influence a boss/mentor/coach can have on your life, career development, your perspective, and character growth. The power of experience is something that we are all striving for, and and it's that same experience that we use to reveal our passions and capabilities to garner even more opportunities. In this post, using Reggie's talk as a reference, I will emphasize the importance of experience and it's close connections to opportunity. As you seek next steps in your career path it's important to decide for yourself what experiences you do value, which environments will help you reach your goals, and more deeply and what kind of person you want to be.

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"Obama, Reggie, and Chris Duhon"

Right Person, Right Place, Right Time
What happened to spark Reggie's career after college isn't all that far fetched when you deconstruct his resume. But somehow it still seems like a jump. From a private school in North Carolina to Duke University, "the Harvard of the South", Reggie Love's story is very intriguing. It all takes a turn when, after being recruited for Duke football, he decides to "walk-on" to Coach K's basketball team. That's right, he decided that football wasn't enough, he was going to subject himself to an even larger time commitment as a Division I athlete competing on a national stage. After walking on his freshman year, the team won a National Championship. Not so casual. During the talk I attended, Reggie spoke on the toughness of Coach K and the success of Duke basketball during his time there. But he also mentioned the tough times, particularly with the Duke football team who went 0-22 before experiencing their first win with Love on the team.

What I took away most from Reggie's talk was his instinctual turn to anecdotes to answer questions and his ability to clarify how he carries these experiences with him everyday, and they continue to effect how he works and lives. My "career center" brain kicked in, as I thought of how many perfect responses Love probably had for behavioral interview questions. It makes it so much easier to answer behavioral questions when you have tangible and memorable experiences to share with an interviewer. A good way to prepare for these interviews is to journal during or right after completing a significant project, internship, or job, capturing moments to reflect on later. This will ensure that when you are preparing for interviews you will have a variety of experiences to pull from.

Remember Everyone Along the Way
Stay in touch with people who have helped you or even those you've just met along the way (even if you don't want to work with them). During Reggie's talk he mentioned some of the people that he met during his time with Obama both during the campaign and at the White House. But the people he especially remembers are those that he and Senator Obama met on the campaign trail. Supporters gave him trinkets and good luck charms which he kept in bowls in the Oval Office for when he needed to quickly recall the little moments of encouragement. But the lesson doesn't end there.  Each person who gifted Obama with a trinket or with whom he spoke about a certain issue received a special follow-up directly from Obama or from the campaign. Sure, this is presidential campaign strategy, but it reiterates the importance of the follow-up!

When Reggie Love spoke about the little trinkets and the specialized follow-ups, sometimes handwritten, it reminded me of how important it is to stay in touch with people - not only with contacts for your career but with your family and friends as well. Building a relationship with a foundation of value is incredibly important.  It reflects the type of person you are, and it makes you more inviting for new connections and relationships. Keeping in touch doesn't have to be in the form of a conventional follow up - it can just be something you saw or read that made you think of that person. Reaching out with little notes goes a long way. Keep all of your connections open!

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The Power of the Mentor
Another thing that struck me about Reggie Love's story was how much he credits Obama for changing his perspective, demeanor and of course, for giving him the opportunity to develop his character on an international stage. He even admits that some of his mannerisms and speech are somewhat presidential. When you work with someone so closely and for such long hours you can bet a bit of them will rub off on you. Not so bad for Love as it's from a sitting U.S. President! Whether Coach K or President Obama, these two leaders have made a lasting impact on how Love approaches life. 

During interviews and informational interviews ask how feedback is provided at the company and if mentoring is included in the position you're pursuing. A work environment that encourages professional development and provides opportunity to receive feedback is crucial for moving up and succeeding in any organization. Here is a great post from U.S News on how to find a career mentor. Always remember that the Career Center is a great resource for identifying alumni willing to be mentors. Whether you have a job/internship or not, having someone in your corner to help you with advice and development is always a great career step!

Welp, that's all for now folks. Good luck on midterms everyone! Stay strong.

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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Age of Social Media: Connecting with Recruiters

Remember the beginning days of social media - when it was claimed to be the future? The rise of Mark Zuckerberg's "The Facebook", friends in high school urging me to get on Twitter, and explaining to my parents why I really needed Facebook. It wasn't too long ago that we were teaching different generations about up and coming social media platforms, and how to connect and engage with people across the Internet. Now, mostly everyone has caught up. Companies and recruiters (and parents) are on social media.

In my Fall Cleaning post last year I covered some tips to ensure your social media presence is blemish free. In this post I want to highlight some ways you can use social media to your advantage in the job and internship search. What's particularly interesting about today's social media is the creative ways that you can not only express yourself, but reach out and connect with other people. Connect with companies and recruiters on a professional account, not a personal account. You don't want to seem creepy (Check out this video by Relationship Science). 

"Remember: don't connect with recruiters unless you've actually had a substantive conversation (in person or via email) with them!"

LinkedIn
This is the main social media professional platform for recruiters to learn about you and for you to learn about them. What I love about LinkedIn, unlike other platforms, is that you can tell who is looking at your page. Many recruiters have Premium accounts which allow them to browse accounts anonymously, leaving you wondering who is looking at your account. Having a LinkedIn presence is one of the more important things you can do to move beyond your conventional resume.  Here are some tips to leverage LinkedIn to connect with companies and recruiters:

• Look at recruiters' profiles
• Research their background, maybe you have a connection with them through their education or work
• They can see you're looking at them, and it's not creepy! It actually shows that you prepared before meeting them
• Follow the company
• Following the company you want to work for is a no-brainer.  It also puts you in the know for what's going on with that company
• Looking at a company's page will help you identify connections through your LinkedIn network. This could help in getting an informational interview with someone who works or worked at the company, and this "someone" could offer you next steps in your job/internship search
• Find the job/internship listing you're applying for
• Locating a job listing on LinkedIn could help you identify the recruiter's contact information, allowing you to address your cover letter to this person and follow up directly.  Too often, there is no name or contact information on job listings that you find on search engines or even on company websites
• Connect with the recruiter
• Only connect with the recruiter after you've had a substantive conversation through email or in person.  Recruiters often have several connections because of the nature of their job, but don't think that just because a recruiter agrees to connect that it's an indication you've got the job. It's only the first step to proving to them that you are a worthy candidate for their company

To keep this list balanced, here are some tips for How NOT to Contact Recruiters on LinkedIn in a great post by the Undercover Recruiter.

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Twitter
Twitter is great. To me it's a real indication of where the world is going, as it continues to provide real time updates to billions of people across the world, connecting them through 140 characters (and maybe more). Many people have Twitter handles - some are personal and some professional, so you have to decide where your Twitter account falls. If you decide that your Twitter account is personal, I highly recommend having a private account. If you want to use it to attract recruiters, have a public account so it's easy for them to follow and see your tweets. The Muse's post on 5 Proven Ways to Attract Recruiters is a great source for those looking to leverage tweeting in the job search. Here are some interesting ways to connect:

• Twitter Bio (Personal Branding)
• Make sure your personal brand is clearly communicated in your Twitter Bio. But be sure to mix in some personality
• Professional headshot and backdrop
• Use an "avi" or avatar photo that clearly shows that it's you. This is important so the recruiter can actually tell that it's you
• Follow companies and influencers
• Twitter is a great place to be in the know, especially in fields that pertain to your interests. Follow influencers, businesses, and news handles that cover your field of interest. This can reinforce to recruiters how much you want to work in that industry
• Keep it clean!
• This goes without saying, no one wants a cursing maniac in their office. Twitter is a great place for recruiters to find your voice, and also a further indicator of character when you're not in front of the recruiter directly. So remember to be professional in every tweet.
• Also make sure you're using proper grammar, for the most part! Abbreviations are welcomed on Twitter, if they are clear.
• Watch out for retweets
• Retweets are great, especially for sharing articles about topics that you think are important. However, you can get into trouble if you retweet someone who isn't professional or who tweets information that isn't factual
• If you want to be super safe, leave space in your bio that says Retweet ≠ Endorsements so you're clear to the world. Check out Mashable's perspective on retweeting!
• Mention people you've met!
• After I meet someone at an info session or talk, I mention them on Twitter. It's a great way to follow up if it was a large session or you want to reveal the events you've attended without just frankly stating it
• It may also encourage that person to follow you or retweet you, which would give you even more page views

Each social media platform is it's own animal, but what remains constant is what I call the classy rule. If you're unsure whether something is inappropriate or unprofessional, ask yourself if you'd mind your grandmother reading it. It is a surefire way to determine the class of your post.  Keep tweeting and connecting online!  Hope everyone is enjoying fall!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks

Class of 2016

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Seasoned Seniors: Career Fair Prep and Tips

As seniors on campus, there is an array of useful knowledge that we have picked up through the years. We know how to track the elusive Joey, which dining hall is the best (Dewick, no question) and how to get across the hill quickly without panting.  And if you're a senior like me, you've been attending Career Fairs for a while, and have racked up some good experience.  

In this post I will highlight Career Fair resources, how to prepare, and of course, how to stand out.  Now is when it really counts, as many of us are searching for our first jobs out of college. So let's do this!

Preparation

One of my favorite all-time quotes is from UCLA coach John Wooden who said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." This quote was the theme of my title from my post last year on how to prepare for the Career Fair.   Preparation is the name of the game here.  A career fair is very much about what you do before the fair.  If you prepare well enough, you should walk around like the "boss" you are.  Here are a few tips to ensure that you will have an effective experience at the 2015 Tufts Fall Career Fair.  

1. Use your previous career fair experience to instill some confidence; this isn't your first rodeo!
2. Update your resume, get it critiqued in the Career Center (there's still time!) and make sure your LinkedIn profile is in good shape
3. Download the Career Fair App and check the list of companies attending. Research the companies and "favorite" the ones that interest you (your favorites will appear on the map in the app)
4. Know your personal brand to differentiate yourself from other candidates and craft an elevator pitch, tailored to each organization, that will serve as your introduction; practice your elevator pitch out loud before the fair
5. Dress swaggy (check weather.com to determine outwear)

During the Fair

Career Fairs can be really overwhelming. With the 187 companies registered this year you will want to avoid feeling lost or wandering around aimlessly, like a lost kid in a supermarket  (the worst feeling in the world!).   If you find yourself in this situation don't panic.  Head to the front of Gantcher and find the Career Center Information Table.   A friendly career advisor will assess the situation and pump you up with the necessary courage to get back out there.  One suggestion is to scout out tables before you approach - walk by to see who is representing (human resources reps, alumni?) the organization and pick the individual who you'll approach.

How to stand out
Now that I've covered some of the basics of achieving success at the Career Fair, here are a few steps that will take you the extra mile.  Everyone at the Career Fair is trying to make a good impression, so it's important to know how to differentiate yourself.   

1. Swag business stationary and folder:  your hard copy resume should be copied on resume paper (it's a bit heavier than printer paper and has a nice look and texture) and you should be carrying your resumes in a portfolio or folder (no rips and tears please)
2. Thoughtful questions for recruiters (Think outside the box):  what do you say to an employer after you've introduced yourself?  In doing research before the fair, you'll likely come up with some legitimate questions about the job or internship, geographic location of the position, or the organization. A career fair is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the job by asking an intelligent question.  Just don't monopolize the employer's time
3. Ask for a business card so you can follow-up
4. Master the follow-up thank-you email: reference the Tufts Career Fair (they've probably been to many fairs by this time), and thank them for attending.  Mention something from your conversation that will help them remember you, and attach your resume.  Now they have the electronic version
5. Apply for the job or internship online.  Just because you dropped your resume at the table doesn't mean you've applied for the job

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Alright, alright, alright seniors. It's time to put the game plan in action. The Career Fair is a great place for us to hit the floor running while looking for the next step in our career paths. If you don't see a company of interest, still come to the Career Fair. It's great practice, and networking is always a good thing.

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks

Class of 2016

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Hello Again: I'm a "fourth year"

Hello everyone! Long time no see, or long time no read?

I hope you had a great summer and that you're enjoying the lingering summer temperatures.  Shout outs to members of the Tufts Class of 2016! We're seniors now, so that means we are the most experienced and mature trailblazers on campus getting ready to enter the real world. It's all so bittersweet. But graduation is still far away so we have plenty of time to catch up and prepare!

I kicked off this summer traveling with my mom and grandmother throughout Italy for 10 days. It was so beautiful and amazing, and little did I know that it would actually help me with my internship. That we will get to later. We started in Rome, went to Sorrento, Florence and later flew out of Rome. I love to travel and haven't gone on a trip with my family in a long time, so it was super nostalgic. When I was little we spent time at resorts, and my family would drop me off at the kid's club. It's great now to be able to share more of the traveling experience. (Sorry for getting so anxious about missing trains and flights, Mom)

My Mom, Me, and Grandmother. Three generations on a mission at Pompeii!

In June I started as an Account Coordinator Intern for SapientNitro's NYC office. SapientNitro is a global marketing/advertising and consulting agency, which is headquartered in Boston, that focuses on the integration of technology and storytelling to engage consumers in a constantly changing world. SapientNitro mainly focuses on creating digital marketing campaigns for clients, while also integrating strategy insights to tell a story in both the physical and virtual spheres.

Now you might ask, what exactly is an Account Coordinator? An Account Coordinator role serves as a liaison between an agency and their client. They help to bridge the gap of communication to the client during the inception and creation of projects, while also working and overseeing internal departments (strategy, program management, experience designers, creatives, etc.) to make sure the work is addressing the client's concerns.

Looking at Nutella all day and not eating it is an acquired skill

So going back to my earlier hint - this past summer I worked with the Nutella USA team!  Who doesn't love Nutella?! It's an Italian spread which has quickly taken over the world, and several college campuses. What was great about my internship was the flexibility to work within domains outside of the Account Coordinator role with the Nutella brand. I learned about social media analytics, marketing, and presenting. The result? A more thorough understanding of how the advertising world works.

The internship program was especially great because I was able to talk with others in different domains, ask questions, and understand their roles at SapientNitro. The work culture is definitely a place where I felt comfortable (as I was able to rock sneakers everyday, perfect for the Westchester to NYC commute). It is an open, focused and fun space where talented and smart people thrive together. I was really excited about being able to experience the creative side of advertising through helping conceptualize new content for different social media platforms, attending Nutella photo shoots, and working with a spectacular group of innovative people. Merging analytical knowledge with creative was extremely interesting to me and is a great strength for SapientNitro. All I can say is: SapientNitro, you guys are the "bee's knees!"

2015 SapientNitro NYC Summer Interns accidentally color coordinating on the last day

Throughout the summer I also attended keynote speeches and business events with my Mom at the Harvard Business School Club in NYC. It was interesting to meet so many different people pushing the boundaries of business and marketing in various capacities. So maybe there's grad school in my future? Eventually.  I guess that calls for a later blog post.

After having to say grazie and arrivederci to SapientNitro and all my fellow summer interns, I returned to campus as a pre-orientation leader for the Tufts F.I.T Program. Shout outs to Group #4 "F.I.T of the Wrist!" I enjoyed greeting the incoming class of 2019 while trying to get some of their youth to rub off on me. Being a mentor is really awesome - you are not only giving advice to incoming first years, but you also learn from your mentees and co-leaders. My group was awesome!

F.I.T Pre-Orientation Group #4: "F.I.T of Da Wrist"

I'm so excited to be back on campus and to see new and old faces. Our blogger team this year is looking to take up right where we left off and provide our readers with amazing posts! We will explore our own career development as well as spotlight resources and topics that can help college students during their journey to graduation and beyond. And of course, there will be great jokes and classic gifs sprinkled in between.

Welcome back everyone!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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Offer Storm: Choosing an Internship

I'm pleased to announce that I have accepted a Summer Internship! Whooooo!! No more applications, interviews, or people asking me what I'm doing this summer!

All the time, I hear from friends and read about the importance of the summer internship before senior year. It's often viewed as the first step towards whichever industry/company you could potentially be working in after college. And with big steps come great responsibilities (Spiderman reference). In this post I'm going to give some tips on determining which internship would be best for you, practicing proper etiquette with offer deadlines, and declining/accepting internships once you've made your decision.

The Decision
I wouldn't say that my decision was quite like Lebron James' infamous ESPN segment announcing his move to South Beach, Miami. The media and paparazzi certainly left me alone to decide this one for myself. What I found most difficult about my decision was that after going through each company's interview rounds, I felt very connected to each organization's mission and the position that I was applying to. It was difficult to realize that I would not be able meet with all of these interesting and thoughtful people outside of a phone or Skype interview. But I had to make the decision, and I did so with mucy career counseling and advice. Here are some of the common factors to consider when choosing between multiple offers:

• Location, Location, Location
• Location of your summer internship is very important, especially if you don't live near a major city. Even if you are going to live at home, you have to figure out how you are going to commute to work. If you're looking to take a position in a new city, here are some resources for students looking for housing. Tufts even has grants available for summer housing!
• Don't choose an internship location blindly. Moving somewhere new can include some hidden costs that you should be aware of before signing that offer! Housing, commuting and parking expenses will take a toll on your finances, so this is another factor that is important to consider.

• Job description
• Do you like the job description? This is, perhaps, the most important aspect of choosing an internship. Think about how each internship would effect your future. What will your choice say about your experiences? How will people understand the way this internships fits in with the rest of your resume?

• Gaining valuable experience
• Make sure the role is something in which you want to gain experience and are interested! Now is the time to try out departments you always wanted to explore and that fit in with your career goals.
• Is this something specific that you want to do in the future!?  If not, you should probably pick the internship that you are most interested in pursuing after you graduate. Not only will this give you a chance to test out a certain field, but it also puts you in a place you could potentially work at after graduation (If you're a GREAT intern, that is!) 

• Opportunity to network
• If you're not particularly sure what you want to do, rotational internships are perfect for you! You can experience working in different departments, and assess which is best for you.
• When choosing among different internship opportunities, assess which one has the best networking opportunities.

Deadlines

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"Don't be nervous, just go to the Career Center!"

So you've got an offer (or two). Congratulations! Now you have to decide whether you want to work there. Is this internship your first choice, or are you waiting to see if you receive another offer? Situations like this show why it's important to be honest during the interview process, and to keep companies aware that you may have other offers in the works. This keeps the recruiter/HR rep aware of how quickly they'll need to respond to you, or if you need extra time for a deadline. Don't be afraid to ask for an extension if you need it!

My advice for this is just to keep everyone aware, so that you can make the best decision for yourself and not feel pressured by offer deadlines. Don't rush, and if you need career advice always feel free to make an appointment or stop by Drop-In Hours at the Career Center!

To Be or Not to Be: How to Decline/Accept an Offer

Accepting my offer was pretty simple. I thanked them for their time interviewing me and told them that I had decided to accept the position.

On the other hand, I felt that declining an offer was very difficult. Especially after a long interview process when you've done so much research, dedicated so much time, and were really excited about the position. However, you do have to make a decision if you have multiple offers. Unfortunately, you can't be working at several places at the same time like Hermoine (HP Reference). Here is a great post on how to Gracefully Turn Down a Job Offer by The Muse - one of my favorite up and coming career blogs.

Declining an offer isn't the end of the world. Feel free to still stay in touch with the internship/company if you would still like to work with them in the future! Staying in touch goes a long way, and it keeps a contact in your network rather than permanently ending communication.

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"Get ready for the summer! Prepare better than this turtle!"

I hope this posts helps with making the tough decisions, especially for those who are waiting to hear back from companies. Summer is almost here, and I hope everyone enjoys the last few days of campus life. We've all survived a crazy winter and deserve to have the best summer ever.

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks

Class of 2016

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Post-Season Life: It's Here

I'm not sure if you have been following Tufts sports teams, but the end of winter season has finally arrived. There have been so many accomplishments by several different teams, including Hockey's NESCAC upset of #1 ranked Trinity, Swimming & Diving crushing it, Men's and Women's Track & Field teams breaking records, including National Champion Mitchell Black in the 800 meters! Granted, all of this season has concluded, but I hope the Tufts community takes advantage of the "warm" (weird, I know) weather to support our spring teams!

"Go Bo's!"

As a member of the Tufts Women's Basketball Team we were fortunate to have a very successful season, achieving our goal of defending our NESCAC Championship as well as returning to the NCAA Final Four in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a second consecutive year. We couldn't have done any of this without the support of the Tufts community, dedicated TUWB fans, and our families! So, a big thank you to everyone who supports Tufts Athletics, and Roll Bos'!

"Baller!"
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As winter athletes, we participate in the longest season and often have the most conflicts with scheduling classes since the season spans both the fall and spring academic semesters. I covered this in a previous post about how to practice good time management skills, and I included several career resources for student athletes. However, in this post I want to cater to those athletes who are now out-of-season. Believe it or not, there is a transition back to semi-normalcy when you are out-of-season. Below are some tips for the transition to "post-season life" to ensure you are taking advantage of free time, as well as resources available that you probably were unable to take advantage of in season.

Free Time!
We thought this day would never come. After practicing, lifting, getting treatment and having film sessions almost everyday, you have probably forgotten what it's like to not go to the gym 6 days a week. It's pretty exhausting to think of how many hours you've dedicated to your respective sport, but guess what? You've made it! Now it's time to heal up and rest your body so you can be ready to attack next season's goals.

One of the biggest changes in your schedule is the amount of free time that you are experiencing. Usually varsity coaches give their winter teams a few weeks off before beginning post-season practices, which are often very flexible and lighter than in-season. With all this free time it may be tempting to go on a Netflix binge and catch up on the shows you've missed. But, to be honest, now is the best time for you to catch up on coursework, meet with your professors, and focus on career development. (Don't worry -  you may still find time to start a new Netflix show.)

"Mad Men is my new show!"
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Registering for Fall Classes
Choosing courses for next year is extremely important, especially if you're a junior (yikes, senior year is approaching!) Touching base with your major advisor to make sure your distribution requirements will be met is extremely important. You can also see your assigned advising dean: they know everything and are super helpful. Ask questions! You don't want to reach senior year and then realize you have to take another class!

If you planned everything correctly, then you might actually be able to take classes with Tufts renowned professors in topics that you weren't able to get into because of late registration times. Ask around campus; current seniors will definitely let you know what class you MUST take before you leave campus. Check out this Tufts Admissions post on the most popular classes at Tufts. Don't be afraid to try something new!

Assistant Athletic Director Branwen King is setting up an Athlete Liaison Advising Program for each Tufts athletic team; the goal is to have a faculty liaison that athletes can access for questions about majors, classes, and career advising. If you have any input into which professors you feel would fit with your team, contact your SAAC rep!

Extracurriculars
Playing a varsity sport is the ultimate extracurricular activity at Tufts. But, of course, as a Tufts students, we have several other interests as well. It's unfortunate that due to time constraints, many Tufts athletes aren't able to experience student groups and professional clubs on campus. Well, now is your chance! Since this post is mostly catered to career development, here are a few professional clubs at Tufts that will help you gain experience in an industry before you graduate:

• Imaginet
• Tufts Financial Group
• DevTech
• Tufts CEEO (Center for Engineering Education & Outreach)
• Tufts Democrats/Tufts Republicans
• Tufts Pre-Law Society
• Tufts Pre-Health Society

There are so many clubs! Ask around or check out the student organization directory. Now is the time to take full advantage of your free time! Don't hold back, try new things!

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016

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America's Next Top Resume: Man vs. Machine

I've been applying to several internships and of course they always ask for my resume. But then I got to thinking, how many resumes are they receiving and how many are they actually looking at? Usually for popular internship programs you submit your resume within an internet database, which somehow sorts out the good candidates from the bad candidates. Have you ever wondered how these recruiters find your resume out the thousands they receive everyday? How can you stand out among thousands of other candidates? Is it just luck? This post will explain how you can make your resume stand out in online resume drops and in person. Whether you want to demonstrate your creative side, or just learn simple steps to make your resume more likely to get in the actual hands of a recruiter, this post is for you!

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"Make sure your resume has the best chance of getting you an interview!"

Internet Resume Drops

A majority of companies today are using online databases as the primary way for candidates to apply for positions. What I find a little scary about this is that anyone can search for the job and apply and therefore have the same chances of their resume getting picked by a recruiter. Out of the millions of people around the world who can submit a resume for these jobs, how does the database work to get the best candidates to recruiters simply based off a text resume. I call this the "Machine to Human Bridge." 

Before your resume hopefully reaches human hands, a machine carefully scans it for keywords, education, skills, and experience that correlate with a certain algorithm set up by the company. What's unfortunate about this is that if you have a resume that is impressive but doesn't correlate at all with the job description, your resume will be cast aside immediately, and probably never looked at again. :(

According to this post, The Killer Resume: How to Get Hired by the Machines written by Cindy Perrman, there are several steps you can take to make sure this doesn't happen to you. Here is a list of some suggestions for making sure your digital resume reaches human eyes:

• List your professional skills
• Match the job requirements with your resume- Look at 10 job listings related to the same field and write down commonly used words that the resume machines might be looking for
• Use TagCrowd to see what words recruiters will associate your name with
• Use strictly Arial/Times New Roman- these are machines, don't confuse them with stylish fonts, or artistic bullets!

Saving Multiple Resumes

Make sure that you look over your resume to shape it to fit each internship/job you are applying for. This is vital, especially if you don't have a contact within the company who is looking out for application. I have a number of resumes saved on my computer by date. Often when submitting resumes to a database they ask for you to have it in a certain format, so make sure you're organized and label them correctly so you don't send the wrong resume to a company. 

Templates

So here is the fun stuff! While I want you to ensure you have the right vocabulary, this doesn't mean you can't have a visually appealing resume. Making your resume pop to recruiters can show your creativity and fun side rather than having a boring text resume for will only appeal to the machines. So let's get crafty! Here is a Buzzfeed article with links to resume templates that will give your resume the makeover it needs. I've yet to submit a resume with a design like this, but hey, you never know if one of these templates will give you a slight edge over other candidates, especially important if you are looking into creative fields such as media, architecture, graphic design, or other art-based industries.

Do's and Don'ts

Alright don't get too crazy! Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when giving your resume that makeover it so desperately needs. Remember as the great Tyra once said, "Once you plant the tree of success your tree will bear FIERCE fruit."So be FIERCE y'all!

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• Dos
• Use a template for reference. Check out the Career Center for examples for specific industries!
• Leave some white space: Highlight job titles and locations with BOLD or Italics. Make sure you practice the same pattern throughout the entire document.
• Get creative, while staying professional
• If submitting online save your resume as a PDF, this ensures the formatting remains the same regardless of what program the recruiter's database uses
• Use action words! Current jobs/activities should be present tense and previous roles should be in the past tense
• Use numbers to measure your performance! This helps employers understand exactly how effective your performance was
• Don'ts
• Have typos. This goes without saying! Make sure someone proofreads your resume, whether it's a roommate or a parent. Check out the Tufts Career Center calendar for resume critiques and drop in hours
• Don't be too bland, set yourself apart from other applicants
• Don't emphasize skills you have that you aren't interested in using
• Don't fluff! Be succinct in your word selection, and make sure it is exactly what you did at that job
• Don't use personal pronouns

Alright guys, that's about all I can cover to make sure that you have America's Next Top Resume. Remember that it's not all about the looks, but also your ability to communicate your personal brand that will set you apart from other applicants. Good luck out there! 

Carpe Diem,

Nicole Brooks

Class of 2016

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